Scotland Indie Travel Guide

Why you should add Scotland to your Indie/RTW trip

Scotland is known for its Highlands and golf and gorgeous scenery, but lately its cities have been getting a lot of attention from international travelers as well.

This is where to come to buy kilts and eat haggis if you want to tread in the cultural clichés, but urban Scotland is fast emerging as an important player on the global scene.

Edinburgh in particular gets filled to the brim with festival-goers every August and the parties go all night.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and second largest city, but it’s the main tourist hub. The city is fairly compact, but it’s crammed with enough palaces and castles and cathedrals and squares to keep any history or architecture buff busy for days.

After dark Edinburgh really turns into something special. The city has long been a center of literature and culture, but now there are clubs and bars and other amusements that will impress even jaded residents of London

Glasgow is the largest city and while not as historic as Edinburgh, it does have more than its fair share of museums and other fascinating sights. The city’s center has been revitalized and is attracting travelers for its excellent shopping as well as restaurant and nightlife scene.

Don’t neglect the Highlands. This district in the northwest is home to amazing scenery, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen.

Transportation

Being near the border with England, many travelers arrive in Edinburgh by train from England. But if you are coming from elsewhere you’ll want to book a flight into Glasgow. It’s the largest in the country and good deals are often available. You can also fly into Edinburgh, which is especially popular for flights from London and other closer cities.